By Martina George, Public Education Officer

A delegation from the African Network of Information Commissions (ANIC) on the 18 March, 2026 paid a courtesy visit to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at Integrity House, Tower Hill, Freetown. The ANIC delegation was led to the ACC by the Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC).

Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw said the visit forms part of the activities surrounding ANIC’s Executive Meeting, which will be hosted in Freetown. He continued that the high-level gathering would bring together Information Commissioners, Ombudsmen, and regulatory authorities from across Africa to discuss strategies for improving access to information and strengthening governance systems. He said the visit is part of their ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in Sierra Leone.

Head of delegation and Chairperson of the Information Regulator in South Africa, Pansy Tlakula, emphasized the importance of access to information as a critical tool in combating corruption. She noted that citizens’ ability to obtain public information empowers them to hold institutions accountable and supports democratic governance.

Stephen Owusu, a representative from the Right to Information Commission in Ghana, who is also part of the ANIC Executive Committee, which comprises representatives from South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Sierra Leone, commended Sierra Leone for its continued leadership in advancing access to information in the continent. He also spoke on the need for experience sharing and legislation of laws to combat against misinformation and disinformation, stating that there is currently a bill tabled in their parliament to combat misinformation and disinformation.

Deputy Commissioner of ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with RAIC and its regional partners. He underscored the role of inter-agency collaboration in addressing corruption and improving service delivery across government institutions.

ACC’s Coordinator of Operations Patrick Sandi, who chaired the meeting, said the courtesy visit is expected to further strengthen ties between RAIC and the ACC, reinforcing a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in Sierra Leone and beyond.